Patel shuns New Zealand approach

Jeetan Patel has declined an invitation from New Zealand to tour West Indies and committed himself to Warwickshire.

New Zealand are scheduled to play three Tests and two T20Is in the Caribbean from late May to the start of July.

While Patel, the 33-year-old off-spinner, might have a reasonable chance of forcing his way back into the New Zealand team on the spin-friendly Caribbean pitches, it would jeopardise his long-term relationship with Warwickshire if he were to leave them mid-season.

Patel has not played international cricket since January 2013 and has fallen behind younger men such as 21-year-old leg-spinner Ish Sodhi in the pecking order. 27-year-old off-spinner Mark Craig has been chosen in the squad to tour West Indies.

Patel has represented Warwickshire as an overseas player on and off since 2009. He has gained a reputation as one of the most valuable overseas players in county cricket - as much for his availability and reliability as anything - and is understood to enjoy a lucrative contract with the club.

While this decision may well end Patel's international career, from the practical perspective of a professional with a young family, he may well have felt he had little option.